By the start of the Saxon period in Britain, falconry had become a popular sport for the nobility. It is likely that after the Romans left Britain, that for a short period, falconry was no longer practiced here, until new settlers appeared from the continent.

The Saxon nobility enjoyed the practice of falconry, which was seen as an important form of hunting and for the provision of food for the table. Many Saxon Kings are known to have loved the sport.

The Vikings who invaded were perhaps even more avid falconers than their Saxon counterparts, and worshiped their birds to such an extent that they were even buried with them! There are many tales of famous Viking explorers and their hunting exploits!